Myosymmetries Calgary - Quantitative Electroencephlograph (qEEG)

At Myosymmetries, we use a detailed brain wave assessment called qEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram), also known as a "brain map". With this technology, we are able to capture a picture of a client's brain wave patterns over the whole brain simultaneously. We can assess the electrical activity in each part of the brain independently and in combination with all the brain's other parts. This allows for a clear direction for our site specific biofeedback (neurotherapy) training. It also enables us to compare a brain map done before treatment, to a brain map after treatment, to show definitively the improvement in brain wave patterns as a result of treatment. We measure the brain wave patterns in microvolts by placing electrodes at 19 sites simultaneously plus a reference site and connecting them to a computer.

The computer gathers the readings and produces a comprehensive map of the client's brain wave patterns, recording amplitude, phase, coherence, and symmetry of brain waves.

The map shows the relative intensity of each type of brain wave pattern and its positioning in the brain. It also reveals, where in the brain, each brain wave pattern is highest, compared to where it should be.

There may be particularly heavy concentration of theta in the back of the head, for instance, or far more beta on one side than the other.

"It makes it possible to assess and quantify brain organization, and permits a quantitative definition of severity of any disorganization", says Mary Donaldson, who conducts the mapping.

The director of Myosymmetries, Stuart Donaldson, Ph.D., likens the simultaneous readings of electrical activity in the brain to an orchestra.

"When you're listening to an orchestra, you hear the entire sound as a unit, but you can also break it down into its components. When one musician is playing in the wrong key, it throws everything off. Similarly, each part of the brain does its own task and contributes to the whole. If one part of the brain's electrical production is incorrect, the whole does not work as it should. QEEG enables us to pinpoint the problem."

In the U.S., qEEG is being used to guide neurotherapy to improve memory, concentration and speech in brain-injured people.

Presently, Myosymmetries is concentrating on building a data base of people with fibromyalgia, including people who have experienced trauma.

Having the qEEG cap put on is much like putting on a swim cap - but it looks even less attractive!

The cap fits snugly, as a swim cap does, to obtain good contact between your scalp and the surface electrodes.

Once the cap is in place, with 20 electrodes positioned correctly over the sites identified in the international 10-20 system of electrode placement, the clinicians will methodically test the brain wave reading they are getting from each electrode.

That involves squirting a little electrode gel through a hole in each electrode with a plunger, and making sure the electrode is in contact with your scalp. The clinician will move your hair aside with the plunger if it is interfering with the contact. The better the contact is, the more accurate the brain wave reading to follow.

A wire from each electrode is plugged into a meter box, which measures the degree of impedance, that is, resistance to the flow of electrical current.

The electrode gel smells like children's old-fashioned mucilage, and gums up your hair about the same way mucilage would.

When you're all set up, you need to sit very, very still for up to five minutes with your eyes open, then again with your eyes closed.

The computer records the proportion and intensity of each of the six brain wave patterns at all 20 sites simultaneously (delta, theta, alpha, sensory motor response, beta and high beta).

Assessing the recording, segment by segment, the clinician chooses a total of 30 seconds of "clean" data - no twitching.

The computer produces a spectral analysis, topographical map and database report that can be compared to other subjects' readings as well as the same subject's.

In order to help get "clean" data the patient must adhere to the following steps.

Have clean hair - no hair spray, gel or mousse. This will interfere with the electrode contacts and make the qEEG gel even harder to get out.
Do not drink coffee, or any caffeine products within three hours of your appointment.
Do not take any stimulant medication that day.
Bring a scarf of a hat to hide your messy hair afterwards.